1986 GE Filter Flo questions

[bbg]

Hi
A few weeks ago I posted about a GE Filter Flo and Dryer pair that I got from a neighbor (I had their ages wrong in the post; they are actually 1986 washer and 1982 dryer). They are finally set up in the basement and I've done two loads of laundry (very exciting!) I do have a question about the washer, though.

It makes kind of a loud noise when changing cycles -- I mean, I'm assuming that it is changing cycles from the sounds, but I haven't stood next to it while it's running. Since this is an old machine, but new to me, I don't know if the loud (an abrupt "clunk", I guess is how I would describe it) noise is new or if that's how it always was.

Is this a potential clutch problem? Possibly normal? I've only run it on Normal (not gentle) and a Large load. I do try to do things myself, but I'm not particularly mechanical in this way and I don't have the proper tools I'm sure, so this is not a repair I would attempt myself at this point.

Thanks for any advice/input.

 

[jons1077]

Loud clunk

Likely the normal sound of a tub brake engaging at the end of your spin cycles but would need a video or sound bite to be sure. You might jump on YouTube and watch other videos of filter-flos to see if the sounds match.

 

[combo52]

Noisy 1986 GE Filter Flow washer

Hi, it’s normal for this machine to make a big clunk when it comes to a stop from spinning. For example, you can hear the same sound by opening the lid while it’s in the final spin cycle and forcing it to stop.

Other than that this machine should be fairly free of loud clunks, but it is a noisy machine as were most older machines.

John

 

[pulltostart]

Jo

Congratulations on getting the pair!  Glad to know that they're functioning.  It is "normal" for a Filter-flo to make a 'clunk' noise as agitation begins (both in wash and in rinse).  The brake can also be loud in time.  Otherwise the washer is fairly quiet as washers go.

 

I remember the last time that I bought a new FF pair.  I was so impressed with how quiet they were.  Didn't take too  long for the 'new' to wear off and they sounded like the pair that I had just sold.

 

lawrence

 

[bajaespuma]

Noises

Is it possible that you're hearing the clicks and clanks of the control timer relays? They are loud and there are two or three of them during the pauses  between agitation and spin. By contrast, the pauses on 'Tags are shorter and the sounds are quiet.

 

 

 

[mb1974]

Love the Pop Pop sound of the Filter Flo at the end of each spin cycle.

 

[bbg]

Thanks

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to respond. I'm a worrier, so it helps.

I'll have to stay next to the washer the next time I use it and pay more attention to when the noise happens and just how loud it is. It's been a long time since I've had a washer at home and even longer since I've used a top loader like this so I've forgotten what's normal.

Thanks again!

 

[gelaundry4ever]

sounds

I love the splashing sound on the small seting with the ramp activator, and the clicking sound of the carrier plate during normal agitation and the suspension during spin. I also love the sound of the tub brake.